Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, ca. 8th to 12th century CE. So rare! A hand-carved basalt stone stepped pyramid temple with stairways up each of its four sides leading to a square terrace with a pyramidal temple on the top. Given this form, perhaps it was inspired by the Maya civilization's famous El Castillo (also known as Temple of Kukulcan/Kukulkan) in Chichen Itza. The construction of such Mesoamerican pyramids was executed in several phases; however, scholars believe that the physical space would remain sacred regardless of the structure erected upon the location. Interestingly, when a temple or pyramid structure was refreshed/renewed, the builders ritually destroyed the former construction. This was thought to appease the spiritual forces in order to preserve its sacredness. Size: 3.9" L x 4.25" W x 14.8" H (9.9 cm x 10.8 cm x 37.6 cm); 14.95" H (38 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Andre Emmerich Gallery, 1980s

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#156032

  • Condition: Loss from lower body; also a few smaller losses from the peripheries. Otherwise in very fine condition with very clear form and many of the details remaining. Basalt is slightly weathered with rich deposits.

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June 4, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000